clara lowered her gaze, hiding the emotions in her eyes, she shook her head slightly and said nothing.

Alexander watched her for a moment, but her silence didn't bother him enough to press further. Instead, I turned his attention back to the food in front of him and emptied the plate. When he finally set the empty bowl down, he looked up at her again. For once, he seemed a little sheepish, "I want to ask you for a favor."noveldrama

"What is it?" Claraasked

Twill be staving here for a while, but I don't know how to cook There's nowhere around here to grab food unless I go into town, and that's too much of a hassle.

I Could you make a little extra when you cook? I'll pay you for it-just name your price."

Clara blinked in surprise. Then shook her head.

"Is that a no?" Alexander Trowned slightly, clearly misunderstanding her reaction.

she explained. i start teaching on Monday, so I might not always have the time. But whenever in home, you're welcome to come by. No charge. Just think of it as a thank you for helping me before "

Alexander raised an eyebrow, a little caught off guard by her offer. "You're working here? You don't seem like someone from around here. Why'd you come all the way out bete for a job

He glanced around thes small village as it to emphasize his point. "What land of work can you even find here? This place doesn't look like it even has factories. Clara smiled lightly. "I'm not a local I came here for voluntary teaching." Alexander i brows shut up. "Voluntary teaching?

He gave her a once-over, histone shifting to something between curiosity and playful skepticism, "You don't look like someone who's used to roughing it. Grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth, didn't you? What made you decide to take this on? Clara didn't feel the need to explain, so the smiled faintly and brushed off the comment

Just then, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Ryan, letting her know he'd gotten home safely and wishing her a good night. Thunding back to what had happened at the gate earlier, her expression turned dark for a moment. Was it just her imagination, or had there been something... off? Alexander nu the shift in her expression and asked causally, "Who was that guy who walked you home? It looked like he was bothering you. Do you want me to sayibent for the meal"

Claration for a second, then quickly shook her head. "You're mistaken He's just a coworker. We met for the first time tonight."

Alexander gave lay alone, untradable look but didn't press the issue. Tustead, he stood and gathered his empty p She heard the sound of water running en fir washed and put everything neatly back in place plate and utensils, taking them into the kitchen.

When he came back out, be adjusted his jacket. "It's late. I won't bother you any longer. Get some rest,"

knew when to leave, which was sodarthing Clara appreciated. With that, Alexander nodded briefly and walked out. Gata lucked the door.

Hama, berat kyan-a quick thank you message, and thei aded upstairs to wash up and get ready for bed. That nagha, læt sleep was testless Maybrit 1 Katrina's phone call earlier that lingered in her mind, but Clata found herself alreaming about Wien. She saw a grand wedding Werj

the altar, his gazetender and full of affection as he watched Ivy walk down the aisle, bet arm linked with Calisle's. They I kissed under the loud chers of the guests.

rachumped rings, spokethelt vows, Clara stood along the sale, like a spectator to their happiness. She felt something es

In the dadess of her room, Clara's eyes opened dowly. Her chest

cold and wetta

wet trall down her cheek

chest ached, the fightness making it hand to breathe. She pressed a hand to her heart, tuying to steady

It tookher several inimiites in calon down Finally, she swing her legs over the of the bed and sat i

The wind tugged at the curtains, letting in a chaili The storm had come

dard goosebumps on her arms Quiside, she heard the rhythmic pitter patter of rain against the window.